Daily Scripture & QuestionsPhilippians 3-4 In 3:2-11, there are two different groups. One of the groups has confidence in the flesh, and the other is the group that glories in Christ Jesus and in the righteousness that comes through faith in Him. How does the contrast between these two groups reflect the common tension we see in many people today–namely, I'm good enough or I'm religious enough so ...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsPhilippians 1-2 Paul is probably writing from Rome.  How does 1:3-11 give us a great picture of Paul's prayer life on behalf of the Christians of Philippi? Are there components that you should incorporate today in your prayer life for others? How does Paul's attitude toward his imprisonment provide us with a model with dealing with our challenges? What are the benefits o...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsEphesians 4-6 Ephesians 1-3 gave us the great doctrinal truths of what God has done for us. Now, in chapters four through six, Paul challenges to live (walk) in a manner worthy of that calling. What are some of the descriptions of a mature Christian given in 4:13-16? How does 4:17-24 capture the three main components that are critical to us growing in the Lord (the excha...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsEphesians 1-3 What are some of the great blessings that God has given to us in Christ (1:3-14)? What does Paul pray for in 1:15-23? Chapter two includes several before-and-after contrasts. Summarize them and rejoice in them (2:1-10, 11, 22).  What is the mystery that has now been made known (3:1-13)?  How does the church make known to the world and beyond the manifest wi...

Preparing for today's message: FENDING OFF KILLER LIES WITH BIBLICAL GRACERead: James 1: 19-21; Ephesians 4: 31-32; Psalm 73Biblical Prayer Focus:Luke 21:34-36  But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.  For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  But stay ...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsColossians 3:18-4:18; Philemon As Paul addresses the Colossians, he teaches that the principles of relationships between a husband and wife as well as between children and parents are rooted in creation itself. Slavery, though very common, was not part of God's good creation. Yet, Paul teaches slaves and masters how they are to behave. Note how often the term "Lord" is u...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsColossians 1:1-3:17 Paul is likely imprisoned in Rome. He learns from Epaphras that some troubling teaching is hindering the church of Colossae, in the middle of what is now Turkey.  It seems that someone had presented himself as a spiritual guide with special insights that would help them to deal with spiritual warfare. Paul reminds the believers that Jesus has the pree...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsActs 26:1-28:31 Luke records another of Paul's presentations of his testimony.  What was the mission Jesus gave Paul (26:18)?  Was Paul obedient to this vision?  Paul spoke true and rational words (see verse 25) in his defense, but his ultimate desire was for people to trust Christ as Lord.  The last two chapters focus on Paul's journey to Rome.  How does God providentia...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsActs 22:30-25:27   Why would the Lord's encouragement (23:11) be so important to Paul over the next years?  How is the finding out of the plot to kill Paul an example of God's sovereign control over the details of life?  We read another example of Paul's witnessing and giving testimony to the work of Jesus Christ.  How does Felix respond to Paul's teaching?  Paul remains...

Daily Scripture & QuestionsActs 20:4-22:29 Paul is completing his work in Greece and begins his journey through Jerusalem with the relief offering for the saints there.  He stops off at Troas and Miletus (on the coast of modern-day Turkey).  Paul said he did not shrink from declaring what is profitable, the whole counsel of God (20:20, 27). What would make some people shrink back from this obligat...